System and Method for Communication Error Processing in Outside Channel Combination Environment

ABSTRACT

Provided are a system and method for processing communication errors in an outside channel combination environment. The system includes: first and second outside-affairs servers connected with a plurality of user terminals and having respective outside-affairs processing applications to perform outside affairs associated with a plurality of outside authorities; first and second outside channel combination servers for processing outside affairs associated with the outside authorities, the first and second outside channel combination servers having respective message relaying and communication applications to interwork with the first and second outside-affairs servers; first and second active and standby network devices respectively connected in parallel with the first and second outside channel combination servers, the first and second active network devices performing normal outside affairs, and the first and second standby network devices being activated when a communication error is generated to perform the normal outside affairs; and first and second switching devices respectively provided between the first and second active and standby network devices and the outside authorities to selectively connect the first and second active and standby network devices when the communication error is generated. Thus, communication errors can be minimized and system resources can be efficiently managed by distributing system loads.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a system and method for processing communication errors in an outside channel combination environment.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, banking authorities share information with a plurality of outside authorities (e.g., financial supervisory authorities, credit rating agencies, credit card companies, commercial banks, and the like) for affairs processing. A message transmission line (e.g., an X.25 or a TCP/IP-based private line) is used to transmit and receive messages between affairs processing systems in the banking authorities and the outside authorities.

In order for a newly built system or a currently used system in a banking authority to perform affairs processing associated with a specific outside authority, the two authorities make an agreement on affairs and then share information required for actual affairs performance through defined messages.

Here, the message is information required for affairs processing between the two authorities, and is transmitted and received in a predefined form. For normal affairs processing, stable message transmission and reception is important.

A conventional technique is disclosed in Korean Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2000-0039571 entitled “A Multi Host Processing System and a Message Processing Method”, in which hosts of banking authorities are multiplexed using an outside server for processing outside affairs associated with other banking authorities, and internal transactions are made in outside affairs transactions with other banking authorities.

In this conventional technique, however, a message transmission and reception between an affairs processing system in a banking authority and outside authorities is made impossible when a communication error is generated in a server of the system or when lines fail.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

The present invention is directed to a system and method for processing communication errors in an outside channel combination environment, capable of minimizing communication errors and efficiently managing system resources by distributing system loads.

The present invention is also directed to a system and method for processing communication errors in an outside channel combination environment, capable of stabilizing message transmission and reception so that affairs processing between an internal affairs processing system and an outside authority is performed smoothly without interruption.

Technical Solution

One aspect of the present invention provides a system for processing communication errors in an outside channel combination environment, comprising: first and second outside-affairs servers connected with a plurality of user terminals and having respective outside-affairs processing applications to perform outside affairs associated with a plurality of outside authorities; first and second outside channel combination servers for processing outside affairs associated with the outside authorities, the first and second outside channel combination servers having respective message relaying and communication applications to interwork with the first and second outside-affairs servers; first and second active and standby network devices respectively connected in parallel with the first and second outside channel combination servers, the first and second active network devices performing normal outside affairs, and the first and second standby network devices being activated when a communication error is generated to perform the normal outside affairs; and first and second switching devices respectively provided between the first and second active and standby network devices and the outside authorities to selectively connect the first and second active and standby network devices when the communication error is generated.

When an outbound message is transmitted to the message relaying applications of the first and second outside channel combination servers via the outside-affairs processing applications of the first and second outside-affairs servers, loads may be balanced in a ratio of 50:50.

When an inbound message is transmitted to the outside-affairs processing applications of the first and second outside channel combination servers via the message relaying applications of the first and second outside-affairs servers, loads may be balanced in a ratio of 50:50.

The message relaying applications of the first and second outside channel combination servers may share information related to message processing via a session, and function to manage line connection information required for message transmission and a transmission state.

The communication application of the first outside channel combination server may comprise: a first master communication application connected with the first active and standby network devices via active and backup lines to transmit and receive messages between the first outside-affairs server and the first active or standby network device according to whether or not a communication error is generated in the first active and standby network devices; and a first backup communication application connected with the second active and standby network devices via backup lines to transmit and receive messages between the second outside-affairs server and the second active or standby network device according to whether or not a communication error is generated in the second active and standby network devices when a communication error is generated in the second outside channel combination server. The communication application of the second outside channel combination server may comprise: a second master communication application connected with the second active and standby network devices via the active and backup lines to transmit and receive the messages between the second outside-affairs server and the second active or standby network device according to whether or not the communication error is generated in the second active and standby network device; and a second backup communication application connected with the first active and standby network devices via the backup lines to transmit and receive the messages between the first outside-affairs server and the first active or standby network device according to whether or not the communication error is generated in the first active and standby network devices when the communication error is generated in the first outside channel combination server.

When the communication error is generated in the first outside channel combination server, the first active network device may automatically switch from the active lines connected with the first outside channel combination server to the backup lines connected with the second backup communication application of the second outside channel combination server, and allow messages between the first outside-affairs server and the outside authorities to be transferred via a path composed of the second backup communication application, the first active network device, and the first switching device. When the communication error is generated in the second outside channel combination server, the second active network device may automatically switch from the active lines connected with the second outside channel combination server to the backup lines connected with the first backup communication application of the first outside channel combination server, and allow messages between the second outside-affairs server and the outside authorities to be transferred via a path composed of the first backup communication application, the second active network device, and the second switching device.

When the active lines connected between the first outside channel combination server and the first active network device fail, the first active network device may automatically switch from the active lines connected with the first outside channel combination server to the backup lines connected with the second backup communication application of the second outside channel combination server, and allow messages between the first outside-affairs server and the outside authorities to be transferred via a path composed of the message relaying applications of the first and second outside channel combination servers, the second backup communication application, the first active network device, and the first switching device. When the active lines connected between the second outside channel combination server and the second active network device fail, the second active network device may automatically switch from the active lines connected with the second outside channel combination server to the backup lines connected with the first backup communication application of the first outside channel combination server, and allow messages between the second outside-affairs server and the outside authorities to be transferred via a path composed of the message relaying applications of the second and first outside channel combination servers, the first backup communication application, the second active network device, and the second switching device.

The first switching device may be connected with the first active and standby network devices via the active and backup lines and automatically switch to the first standby network device when the communication error is generated in the first active network device, and the second switching device may be connected with the second active and standby network devices via the active and backup lines and automatically switch to the second standby network device when the communication error is generated in the second active network device.

In normal operation of the system, the messages may be transferred to and from the outside authorities via the path composed of the first outside-affairs server, the first outside channel combination server, the first active network device, and the first switching device, and the messages may be transferred to and from the outside authorities via the path composed of the second outside-affairs server, the second outside channel combination server, the second active network device, and the second switching device.

When the communication error is generated in the first outside-affairs server, the second outside-affairs server may process all outside affairs including outside affairs that have been processed by the first outside-affairs server, and allow the messages to be transferred to and from the outside authorities via the path composed of the second outside-affairs server, the first outside channel combination server, the first active network device, and the first switching device. When the communication error is generated in the second outside-affairs server, the first outside-affairs server may process all outside affairs including outside affairs that have been processed by the second outside-affairs server, and allow the messages to be transferred to and from the outside authorities via the path composed of the first outside-affairs server, the second outside channel combination server, the second active network device, and the second switching device.

When the communication error is generated in the first active network device, or when the active lines connected between the first active network device and the first switching device fail, the messages may be transferred to and from the outside authorities via the path composed of the first outside-affairs server, the first outside channel combination server, the first standby network device, and the first switching device. When the communication error is generated in the second active network device, or when the active lines connected between the second active network device and the second switching device fail, the messages may be transferred to and from the outside authorities via the path composed of the second outside-affairs server, the second outside channel combination server, the second standby network device, and the second switching device.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for processing communication errors in an outside channel combination system environment comprising first and second outside-affairs servers, first and second outside channel combination servers, first and second active and standby network devices, and first and second switching devices, the method comprising the steps of: (a) in normal operation of the system, transferring messages to and from a plurality of outside authorities via a path composed of the first outside-affairs server, the first outside channel combination server, the first active network device, and the first switching device; (b) in normal operation of the system, transferring messages to and from the outside authorities via a path composed of the second outside-affairs server, the second outside channel combination server, the second active network device, and the second switching device; (c) when a communication error is generated in the first outside-affairs server, processing, by the second outside-affairs server, all outside affairs including outside affairs that have been processed by the first outside-affairs server, and transferring the messages to and from the outside authorities via the path composed of the second outside-affairs server, the first outside channel combination server, the first active network device, and the first switching device; and (d) when a communication error is generated in the second outside-affairs server, processing, by the first outside-affairs server, all outside affairs including outside affairs that have been processed by the second outside-affairs server, and transferring the messages to and from the outside authorities via the path composed of the first outside-affairs server, the second outside channel combination server, the second active network device, and the second switching device.

The method may further comprise the steps of: (e) when a communication error is generated in the first active network device, or when active lines connected between the first active network device and the first switching device fail, transferring the messages to and from the outside authorities via the path composed of the first outside-affairs server, the first outside channel combination server, the first standby network device, and the first switching device; and (f) when a communication error is generated in the second active network device, or when active lines connected between the second active network device and the second switching device fail, transferring the messages to and from the outside authorities via the path composed of the second outside-affairs server, the second outside channel combination server, the second standby network device, and the second switching device.

The method may further comprise the steps of: (g) when the communication error is generated in the first outside channel combination server, automatically switching, by the first active network device, from the active lines connected with the first outside channel combination server to backup lines connected with the second backup communication application of the second outside channel combination server, and transferring messages between the first outside-affairs server and the outside authorities via the path composed of the second outside channel combination server, the first active network device, and the first switching device; and (h) when the communication error is generated in the second outside channel combination server, automatically switching, by the second active network device, from the active lines connected with the second outside channel combination server to the backup lines connected with the first backup communication application of the first outside channel combination server, and transferring messages between the second outside-affairs server and the outside authorities via the path composed of the first outside channel combination server, the second active network device, and the second switching device.

The method may further comprise the steps of: (i) when the active lines connected between the first outside channel combination server and the first active network device fail, automatically switching, by the first active network device, from the active lines connected with the first outside channel combination server to the backup lines connected with the second backup communication application of the second outside channel combination server, and transferring messages between the first outside-affairs server and the outside authorities via a path composed of message relaying applications of the first and second outside channel combination servers, a backup communication application of the second outside channel combination server, the first active network device, and the first switching device; and (j) when the active lines connected between the second outside channel combination server and the second active network device fail, automatically switching, by the second active network device, from the active lines connected with the second outside channel combination server to the backup lines connected with the first backup communication application of the first outside channel combination server, and transferring messages between the second outside-affairs server and the outside authorities via a path composed of message relaying applications of the first and second outside channel combination servers, a backup communication application of the first outside channel combination server, the second active network device, and the second switching device.

Still another aspect of the present invention provides a computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon for implementing the method for processing communication errors in an outside channel combination system environment.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

As described above, according to the present invention, the system comprises the outside-affairs server and outside channel combination server in an active-active form, and the active and standby network devices in an active-standby form, thereby minimizing communication errors and efficiently managing system resources by distributing system loads.

In addition, the outbound/inbound message transmission and reception is stabilized, so that affairs processing between the internal affairs processing system and the outside authorities is performed smoothly without interruption.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system for processing communication errors in an outside channel combination environment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 2 to 11 are flow diagrams illustrating message processing dependent on communication errors in a system for processing communication errors in an outside channel combination environment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various types. Therefore, the present exemplary embodiments are provided for complete disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform the scope of the present invention to those ordinarily skilled in the art.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system for processing communication errors in an outside channel combination environment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the system for processing communication errors in an outside channel combination environment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of user terminals 100 a to 100 n, first and second outside-affairs servers 200 a and 200 b, first and second outside channel combination servers 300 a and 300 b, first active and standby network devices 400 a and 450 a, second active and standby network devices 400 b and 450 b, first and second switching devices 500 a and 500 b, and a plurality of outside authorities 600 a to 600 e.

The first and second outside-affairs servers 200 a and 200 b configured in an active-active form are connected to the user terminals 100 a to 100 n via, for example, a local area network (LAN).

The first and second outside-affairs servers 200 a and 200 b respectively include first and second outside-affairs processing applications (APs) 250 a and 250 b having the same function in order to perform outside affairs (e.g., bank deposit/payment, credit cards, insurance, securities, and other banking transaction affairs) associated with the outside authorities 600 a to 600 e (e.g., financial supervisory authorities, credit rating agencies, credit card companies, commercial banks, and the like).

Preferably, the first and second outside-affairs processing applications 250 a and 250 b of the first and second outside-affairs servers 200 a and 200 b perform load-balancing processing in a ratio of 50:50 when transmitting outbound messages through the first and second message relaying applications 310 a and 310 b of the first and second outside channel combination servers 300 a and 300 b.

The first and second outside channel combination servers 300 a and 300 b configured in the active-active form are connected with the first and second outside-affairs servers 200 a and 200 b to interwork with the same, and function to process the outside affairs associated with the outside authorities 600 a to 600 e.

The first and second outside channel combination servers 300 a and 300 b include first and second message relaying applications 310 a and 310 b for relaying a transmit/receive message, i.e., an outbound/inbound message, first and second master communication applications 330 a and 330 b, and first and second backup communication applications 350 a and 350 b, respectively.

Preferably, the first and second message relaying applications 310 a and 310 b of the first and second outside channel combination servers 300 a and 300 b perform load-balancing processing in a ratio of 50:50 when transmitting inbound messages to the first and second outside-affairs processing applications 250 a and 250 b of the first and second outside-affairs servers 200 a and 200 b.

In the first and second outside channel combination servers 300 a and 300 b, the first and second message relaying applications 310 a and 310 b share information related to message processing via a session, and function to manage line connection information required for message transmission, and a transmission state.

The first master communication application 330 a is connected with the first active and standby network devices 400 a and 450 a in an active-standby form via active lines L1 and backup lines L2, and functions to transmit and receive an outbound/inbound message between the first outside-affairs server 200 a and the first active or standby network device 400 a or 450 a according to whether or not a communication error is generated in the first active and standby network devices 400 a and 450 a.

The first backup communication application 350 a is connected with the second active and standby network devices 400 b and 450 b in an active-standby form via backup lines L3 and L4, and functions to transmit and receive an outbound/inbound message between the second outside-affairs server 200 b and the second active or standby network device 400 b or 450 b according to whether or not a communication error is generated in the second active and standby network devices 400 b and 450 b when a communication error is generated in the second outside channel combination server 300 b.

The second master communication application 330 b is connected with the second active and standby network devices 400 b and 450 b via active lines L5 and backup lines L6, and functions to transmit and receive an outbound/inbound message between the second outside-affairs server 250 b and the second active or standby network device 400 b or 450 b according to whether or not a communication error is generated in the second active and standby network devices 400 b and 450 b.

The second backup communication application 350 b is connected with the first active and standby network devices 400 a and 450 a via backup lines L7 and L8, and functions to transmit and receive an outbound/inbound message between the first outside-affairs server 200 a and the first active or standby network device 400 a or 450 a according to whether or not a communication error is generated in the first active and standby network devices 400 a and 450 a when a communication error is generated in the first outside channel combination server 300 a.

Meanwhile, the first outside channel combination server 300 a configured as described above detects, in real time, the second active network device 400 b automatically switching to the backup lines L3 connected with the first backup communication application 350 a and automatically executes the first backup communication application 350 a for the second master communication application 330 b. The first backup communication application 350 a re-establishes a private line (e.g., X.25 PVC) connection required for outbound/inbound message transmission and reception to and from the outside authorities 600 a to 600 e to automatically re-obtain the outbound/inbound message transmission line following the communication error.

Similarly, the second outside channel combination server 300 b detects, in real time, the first active network device 400 a automatically switching to the backup lines L7 connected with the second backup communication application 350 b and automatically executes the second backup communication application 350 b for the first master communication application 330 a. The second backup communication application 350 b reestablishes a private line (e.g., X.25 PVC) connection required for outbound/inbound message transmission and reception to and from the outside authorities 600 a to 600 e to automatically re-obtain the outbound/inbound message transmission line following the communication error.

The first active network device 400 a is connected between the first master communication application 330 a and the first switching device 500 a via the active lines L1, and connected with the second backup communication application 350 b via the backup lines L7.

The first active network device 400 a functions to automatically switch from the active lines L1 connected with the first outside channel combination server 300 a to the backup lines L7 connected with the second backup communication application 350 b of the second outside channel combination server 300 b when a communication error is generated in the first outside channel combination server 300 a or when the active lines L1 connected with the first outside channel combination server 300 a fail.

The first standby network device 450 a is connected between the first master communication application 330 a and the first switching device 500 a via the backup lines L2, and connected with the second backup communication application 350 b via backup lines L8.

The first standby network device 450 a is activated when a communication error is generated in the first active network device 400 a, or when the active lines L1 connected between the first active network device 400 a and the first switching device 500 a fail, and remains in a standby state to perform normal outside affairs via the backup lines L2 connected between the first master communication application 330 a and the first switching device 500 a.

The second active network device 400 b is connected between the second master communication application 330 b and the second switching device 500 b via the active lines L5, and connected with the first backup communication application 350 a via the backup lines L3.

The second active network device 400 b functions to automatically switch from the active lines L5 connected with the second outside channel combination server 300 b to the backup lines L3 connected with the first backup communication application 350 a of the first outside channel combination server 300 a when a communication error is generated in the second outside channel combination server 300 b or when the active lines L5 connected with the second outside channel combination server 300 b fail.

The second standby network device 450 b is connected between the second master communication application 330 b and the second switching device 500 b via the backup lines L6, and connected with the first backup communication application 350 a via the backup lines L4.

The second standby network device 450 b is activated when a communication error is generated in the second active network device 400 b, or when the active lines L5 connected between the second active network device 400 b and the second switching device 500 b fail, and remains in a standby state to perform normal outside affairs via the backup lines L6 connected between the second master communication application 330 b and the second switching device 500 b.

The first active and standby network devices 400 a and 450 a and the second active and standby network devices 400 b and 450 b applied to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention as described above are preferably implemented by, for example, a Mega Box.

The first switching device 500 a is connected with the first active and standby network devices 400 a and 450 a via the active lines L1 and the backup lines L2, and functions to automatically switch to the first standby network device 400 b when a communication error is generated in the first active network device 400 a or when the active lines L1 connected with the first active network device 400 a fail.

The second switching device 500 b is connected with the second active and standby network devices 400 b and 450 b via the active lines L5 and the backup lines L6, and functions to automatically switch to the second standby network device 450 b when a communication error is generated in the second active network device 400 b or when the active lines L5 connected with the second active network device 400 b fail.

Preferably, the first and second switching devices 500 a and 500 b applied to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention as described above are implemented by, for example, a fallback switch.

The outside authorities 600 a to 600 e are distributed and connected to the first and second switching devices 500 a and 500 b using affairs channel lines A to E connected through a private-line protocol (e.g., X.25 or TCP/IP protocol). Here, the outside authority 600 c is connected with the first and second switching devices 500 a and 500 b via dual lines C-1 and C-2.

Hereinafter, operation, dependent on communication errors, of a system for processing communication errors in an outside channel combination environment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in de tail.

FIGS. 2 to 11 are flow diagrams illustrating message processing dependent on communication errors in a system for processing communication errors in an outside channel combination environment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, an outbound/inbound message transmission line when the system for processing communication errors in an outside channel combination environment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention normally operates is shown. The outbound message refers to a message sent from the interior to the exterior, and the inbound message refers to a message sent from the exterior to the interior.

First, affairs processing associated with an outbound message for the outside authorities 600 a to 600 e is as follows:

An outbound message for the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c generated from the internal affairs processing system, i.e., the user terminals 100 a to 100 n (see FIG. 1) is transmitted to the first message relaying application 310 a of the first outside channel combination server 300 a via the first outside-affairs processing application 250 a of the first outside-affairs server 200 a.

Upon receipt of the outbound message, the first message relaying application 310 a checks information on a line connection with the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c and a transmission state. Since the first outside channel combination server 300 a is currently connected with the line to the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c, the first message relaying application 310 a routes the outbound message to the first master communication application 330 a of the first outside channel combination server 300 a.

The first master communication application 330 a then transmits the outbound message to the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c via the active lines L1, the first active network device 400 a, the first switching device 500 a, and the affairs channel-specific lines A to C-1.

Meanwhile, the outbound message for the outside authorities 600 c to 600 e generated from the user terminals 100 a to 100 n is transmitted to the second message relaying application 310 b of the second outside channel combination server 300 b via the second outside-affairs processing application 250 b of the second outside-affairs server 200 b.

Upon receipt of the outbound message, the second message relaying application 310 b checks information on a line connection with the outside authorities 600 c to 600 e and a transmission state. Since the second outside channel combination server 300 b is currently connected with the line to the outside authorities 600 c to 600 e, the second message relaying application 310 b routes the outbound message to the second master communication application 330 b of the second outside channel combination server 300 b.

The second master communication application 330 b then transmits the outbound message to the outside authorities 600 c to 600 e via the active lines L5, the second active network device 400 b, the second switching device 500 b, and the affairs channel-specific lines C-2 to E.

Second, affairs processing associated with an inbound message generated from hosts (not shown) of the outside authorities 600 a to 600 e is as follows:

When the hosts of the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c generate the inbound message, the inbound message is transmitted to the first master communication application 330 a serving message transmission and reception of the active lines L1 connected with the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c via the affairs channel-specific lines A to C-1, the first switching device 500 a, and the first active network device 400 a.

The first master communication application 330 a then transmits the inbound message to the user terminals 100 a to 100 n via the first message relaying application 310 a and the first outside-affairs processing application 250 a of the first outside-affairs server 200 a.

Meanwhile, when the hosts of the outside authorities 600 c to 600 c generate the inbound message, the inbound message is transmitted to the second master communication application 330 b serving message transmission and reception of the active lines L5 connected with the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c via the affairs channel-specific lines C-2 to E, the second switching device 500 b, and the second active network device 400 b.

The second master communication application 330 b then transmits the inbound message to the user terminals 100 a to 100 n via the second message relaying application 310 b and the second outside-affairs processing application 250 b of the second outside-affairs server 200 b.

Referring to FIG. 3, the outbound/inbound message transmission line when a communication error is generated in the first outside-affairs server 200 a is shown. Outside-affairs processing is the same as in the normal operation of FIG. 2, except that all transmission and reception messages related to the outside affairs, i.e., outbound/inbound affairs processing, which have been processed by the first outside-affairs server 200 a, are processed by the second outside-affairs processing application 250 b of the second outside-affairs server 200 b.

Referring to FIG. 4, the outbound/inbound message transmission line when a communication error is generated in the second outside-affairs server 200 b is shown. Outside-affairs processing is the same as in the normal operation of FIG. 2, except that all transmission and reception messages related to the outside affairs, i.e., outbound/inbound affairs processing, which have been processed by the second outside-affairs server 200 b, are processed by the first outside-affairs processing application 250 a of the first outside-affairs server 200 a, and accordingly a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 5, the outbound/inbound message transmission line when a communication error is generated in the first outside channel combination server 300 a is shown. First, the first active network device 400 a automatically switches from the active lines L1 connected with the first outside channel combination server 300 a to the backup lines L7 connected with the second backup communication application 350 b of the second outside channel combination server 300 b when the communication error is generated in the first outside channel combination server 300 a.

The transmission and reception of the outbound/inbound message generated for affairs processing with the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c is made via the path that excludes the first outside channel combination server 300 a.

Meanwhile, the second outside channel combination server 300 b detects, in real time, the first active network device 400 a automatically switching to the backup lines L7 connected with the second backup communication application 350 b and automatically executes the second backup communication application 350 b for the first master communication application 330 a. The second backup communication application 350 b re-establishes a private line (e.g., X.25 PVC) connection required for outbound/inbound message transmission and reception to and from the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c to automatically re-obtain the outbound/inbound message transmission line following the communication error.

When dual lines C-1 and C-2 are connected and a communication error is generated in the first outside channel combination server 300 a, the outbound message generated from the first and second outside-affairs servers 200 a and 200 b is automatically transmitted via only the line C-2 that does not fail, before the first active network device 400 a switches from the active lines L1 connected with the first outside channel combination server 300 a to the backup lines L7 connected with the second backup communication application 350 b of the second outside channel combination server 300 b.

First, affairs processing associated with the outbound message for the outside authorities 600 a to 600 e is as follows:

The outbound message for the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c generated from the user terminals 100 a to 100 n is transmitted to the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c via the first outside-affairs processing application 250 a of the first outside-affairs server 200 a, the second message relaying application 310 b and the second backup communication application 350 b of the second outside channel combination server 300 b, the first active network device 400 a, the first switching device 500 a, and the affairs channel-specific lines A to C-1.

Meanwhile, the outbound message for the outside authorities 600 c to 600 e generated from the user terminals 100 a to 100 n is transmitted to the outside authorities 600 c to 600 e via the second outside-affairs processing application 250 b of the second outside-affairs server 200 b, the second message relaying application 310 b and the second master communication application 330 b of the second outside channel combination server 300 b, the second active network device 400 b, the second switching device 500 b, and the affairs channel-specific lines C-2 to E.

Second, affairs processing associated with the inbound message generated from the hosts of the outside authorities 600 a to 600 e is as follows:

First, when the hosts of the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c transmit the inbound message, the inbound message is transmitted to the user terminals 100 a to 100 n via the affairs channel-specific lines A to C-1, the first switching device 500 a, the first active network device 400 a, the second backup communication application 350 b and the second message relaying application 310 b of the second outside channel combination server 300 b, and the first outside-affairs processing application 250 a of the first outside-affairs server 200 a.

Meanwhile, when the hosts of the outside authorities 600 c to 600 e transmit the inbound message, the inbound message is transmitted to the user terminals 100 a to 100 n via the affairs channel-specific lines C-2 to E, the second switching device 500 b, the second active network device 400 b, the second master communication application 330 b and the second message relaying application 310 b of the second outside channel combination server 300 b, and the second outside-affairs processing application 250 b of the second outside-affairs server 200 b.

Referring to FIG. 6, the outbound/inbound message transmission line when a communication error is generated in the second outside channel combination server 300 b is shown. The second active network device 400 b automatically switches from the active lines L5 connected with the second outside channel combination server 300 b to the backup lines L3 connected with the first backup communication application 350 a of the first outside channel combination server 300 a when the communication error is generated in the second outside channel combination server 300 b.

The transmission and reception of the outbound/inbound message generated for affairs processing with the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c is made via the path that excludes the second outside channel combination server 300 b.

Meanwhile, the first outside channel combination server 300 b detects, in real time, the second active network device 400 b automatically switching to the backup lines L3 connected with the first backup communication application 350 a and automatically executes the first backup communication application 350 a for the second master communication application 330 b. The first backup communication application 350 a re-establishes a private line (e.g., X.25 PVC) connection required for outbound/inbound message transmission and reception to and from the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c to automatically re-obtain the outbound/inbound message transmission line following the communication error.

When dual lines C-1 and C-2 are connected and a communication error is generated in the second outside channel combination server 300 b, the outbound message generated from the first and second outside-affairs servers 200 a and 200 b is automatically transmitted via only the line C-1 that does not fail, before the second active network device 400 b switches from the active lines L5 connected with the second outside channel combination server 300 b to the backup lines L3 connected with the first backup communication application 350 a of the first outside channel combination server 300 a.

First, affairs processing associated with the outbound message for the outside authorities 600 a to 600 e is as follows:

The outbound message for the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c generated from the user terminals 100 a to 100 n is transmitted to the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c via the first outside-affairs processing application 250 a of the first outside-affairs server 200 a, the first message relaying application 310 a and the first master communication application 330 a of the first outside channel combination server 300 a, the first active network device 400 a, the first switching device 500 a, and the affairs channel-specific lines A to C-1.

Meanwhile, the outbound message for the outside authorities 600 c to 600 e generated from the user terminals 100 a to 100 n is transmitted to the outside authorities 600 c to 600 e via the second outside-affairs processing application 250 b of the second outside-affairs server 200 b, the first message relaying application 310 a and the first backup communication application 350 a of the first outside channel combination server 300 a, the second active network device 400 b, the second switching device 500 b, and the affairs channel-specific lines C-2 to E.

Second, affairs processing associated with the inbound message generated from the hosts of the outside authorities 600 a to 600 e is as follows:

First, when the hosts of the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c transmit the inbound message, the inbound message is transmitted to the user terminals 100 a to 100 n via the affairs channel-specific lines A to C-1, the first switching device 500 a, the first active network device 400 a, the first master communication application 330 a and the first message relaying application 310 a of the first outside channel combination server 300 a, and the first outside-affairs processing application 250 a of the first outside-affairs server 200 a.

Meanwhile, when the hosts of the outside authorities 600 c to 600 e transmit the inbound message, the inbound message is transmitted to the user terminals 100 a to 100 n via the affairs channel-specific lines C-2 to E, the second switching device 500 b, the second active network device 400 b, the first backup communication application 350 a and the first message relaying application 310 a of the first outside channel combination server 300 a, and the second outside-affairs processing application 250 b of the second outside-affairs server 200 b.

Referring to FIG. 7, the outbound/inbound message transmission line when the active lines L1 connected between the first master communication application 330 a of the first outside channel combination server 300 a and the first active network device 400 a fails is shown. Outside-affairs processing is the same as in FIG. 5, except that a session is shared between the first message relaying application 310 a of the first outside channel combination server 300 a and the second message relaying application 310 b of the second outside channel combination server 300 b with respect to the outbound/inbound message to and from the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c, and accordingly, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 8, the outbound/inbound message transmission line when the active lines L5 connected between the second master communication application 330 b of the second outside channel combination server 300 b and the second active network device 400 b fails is shown. Outside-affairs processing is the same as in FIG. 6, except that a session is shared between the first message relaying application 310 a of the first outside channel combination server 300 a and the second message relaying application 310 b of the second outside channel combination server 300 b with respect to the outbound/inbound message to and from the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c, and accordingly, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 9, the outbound/inbound message transmission line when a communication error is generated in the first active network device 400 a is shown. When the communication error is generated in the first active network device 400 a, the first switching device 500 a automatically switches from the active lines L1 (see FIG. 2) connected with the first active network device 400 a to the backup lines L2 connected with the first standby network device 450 a.

The transmission and reception of the outbound/inbound message generated for affairs processing with the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c is made via the path that excludes the first active network device 400 a.

Meanwhile, when the first master communication application 330 a of the first outside channel combination server 300 a changes a configuration in connection with the switching task performed by the first switching device 500 a, the first master communication application 330 a automatically reflects the change and re-establishes a private line (e.g., X.25 PVC) connection required for outbound/inbound message transmission and reception to and from the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c to automatically re-obtain the outbound/inbound message transmission line following the communication error.

When the dual lines C-1 and C-2 are connected, the outbound message generated from the first and second outside-affairs servers 200 a and 200 b is normally transmitted to the outside authority 600 c via the second outside channel combination server 300 b, the second active network device 400 b, the second switching device 500 b, and the line C-2. If a communication error is generated in the first active network device 400 a and switching to the first standby network device 450 a is not yet completed, the message is automatically transmitted via only the line C-2 that does not fail.

Outside-affairs processing is the same as in the normal operation of FIG. 2, except that the outbound/inbound message to and from the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c is transferred via the first master communication application 330 a of the first outside channel combination server 300 a connected with the backup lines L2, the first standby network device 450 a, and the first switching device 500 a, and accordingly a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Although not shown in FIG. 9, the same is applied to the case where the active lines L1 connected between the first active network device 400 a and the first switching device 500 a fail.

Referring to FIG. 10, the outbound/inbound message transmission line when a communication error is generated in the second active network device 400 b is shown. When a communication error is generated in the second active network device 400 b, the second switching device 500 b automatically switches from the active lines L5 (see FIG. 2) connected with the second active network device 400 b to the backup lines L6 connected with the second standby network device 450 b.

The transmission and reception of the outbound/inbound message generated for affairs processing with the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c is made via the path that excludes the second active network device 400 b.

Meanwhile, when the second master communication application 330 b of the second outside channel combination server 300 b changes a configuration in connection with the switching task performed by the second switching device 500 b, the second master communication application 330 b automatically reflects the change and re-establishes the private line (e.g., X.25 PVC) connection required for outbound/inbound message transmission and reception to and from the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c to automatically re-obtain the outbound/inbound message transmission line following the communication error.

When the dual lines C-1 and C-2 are connected, the outbound message generated from the first and second outside-affairs servers 200 a and 200 b is normally transmitted to the outside authority 600 c via the first outside channel combination server 300 a, the first active network device 400 a, the first switching device 500 a, and the line C-1. If a communication error is generated in the second active network device 400 b and switching to the second standby network device 450 b is not yet completed, the message is automatically transmitted via only the line C-1 that does not fail.

Outside-affairs processing is the same as in the normal operation of FIG. 2, except that the outbound/inbound message to and from the outside authorities 600 a to 600 c is transferred via the second master communication application 330 b of the second outside channel combination server 300 b connected with the backup lines L6, the second standby network device 450 b, and the second switching device 500 b, and accordingly a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Although not shown in FIG. 10, the same is applied to the case where the active lines L5 connected between the second active network device 400 b and the second switching device 500 b fail.

Referring to FIG. 11, the outbound/inbound message transmission line when a communication error is generated in the first or second switching device 500 a or 500 b is shown. When an additional communication error is not generated in the first or second active network device 400 a or 400 b, which is connected with the first or second switching device 500 a or 500 b where the communication error is generated, there is no effect on affairs processing associated with the outside authorities 600 a to 600 e and accordingly there is no changing task.

The first or second switching device 500 a or 500 b includes a sealed latching relay, which maintains a last communication path even when an error is generated, e.g., even when power is not supplied to the switch device.

However, when a fatal defect is generated in the first or second switching device 500 a or 500 b and equipment must be replaced to perform affairs processing, outside authority affairs performed through the first or second switching device 500 a or 500 b stop. In this case, the outside channel combination system or outside authority performs store and forward (SAF) processing, non-transmitted message reprocessing and the like to minimize affairs processing failure caused by the defect.

As previously described, when the communication error is generated in the first or the second switching device 500 a or 500 b, the changing task is not separately performed and the operation is the same as the normal operation of FIG. 2. Accordingly, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Meanwhile, the method for processing communication errors in the outside channel combination environment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be implemented as a computer-readable code in a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium may be any recording device for storing computer-readable data.

Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a mobile storage device, a non-volatile memory (e.g., a Flash Memory), an optical data storage device, and a carrier wave (e.g., transmission via the Internet).

The computer-readable recording medium may be distributed to computer systems interconnected via a computer communication network, and the method may be stored and executed as a code in the recording medium.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. A system for processing communication errors in an outside channel combination environment, comprising: first and second outside-affairs servers connected with a plurality of user terminals and having respective outside-affairs processing applications to perform outside affairs associated with a plurality of outside authorities; first and second outside channel combination servers for processing outside affairs associated with the outside authorities, the first and second outside channel combination servers having respective message relaying and communication applications to interwork with the first and second outside-affairs servers; first and second active and standby network devices respectively connected in parallel with the first and second outside channel combination servers, the first and second active network devices performing normal outside affairs, and the first and second standby network devices being activated when a communication error is generated to perform the normal outside affairs; and first and second switching devices respectively provided between the first and second active and standby network devices and the outside authorities to selectively connect the first and second active and standby network devices when the communication error is generated.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein when an outbound message is transmitted to the message relaying applications of the first and second outside channel combination servers via the outside-affairs processing applications of the first and second outside-affairs servers, loads are balanced in a ratio of 50:50.
 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein when an inbound message is transmitted to the outside-affairs processing applications of the first and second outside channel combination servers via the message relaying applications of the first and second outside-affairs servers, loads are balanced in a ratio of 50:50.
 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the message relaying applications of the first and second outside channel combination servers share information related to message processing via a session, and function to manage line connection information required for message transmission and a transmission state.
 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the communication application of the first outside channel combination server comprises: a first master communication application connected with the first active and standby network devices via active and backup lines to transmit and receive messages between the first outside-affairs server and the first active or standby network device according to whether or not a communication error is generated in the first active and standby network devices; and a first backup communication application connected with the second active and standby network devices via backup lines to transmit and receive messages between the second outside-affairs server and the second active or standby network device according to whether or not a communication error is generated in the second active and standby network devices when a communication error is generated in the second outside channel combination server, and the communication application of the second outside channel combination server comprises: a second master communication application connected with the second active and standby network devices via the active and backup lines to transmit and receive the messages between the second outside-affairs server and the second active or standby network device according to whether or not the communication error is generated in the second active and standby network device; and a second backup communication application connected with the first active and standby network devices via the backup lines to transmit and receive the messages between the first outside-affairs server and the first active or standby network device according to whether or not the communication error is generated in the first active and standby network devices when the communication error is generated in the first outside channel combination server.
 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, when the communication error is generated in the first outside channel combination server, the first active network device automatically switches from the active lines connected with the first outside channel combination server to the backup lines connected with the second backup communication application of the second outside channel combination server, and allows messages between the first outside-affairs server and the outside authorities to be transferred via a path composed of the second backup communication application, the first active network device, and the first switching device, and when the communication error is generated in the second outside channel combination server, the second active network device automatically switches from the active lines connected with the second outside channel combination server to the backup lines connected with the first backup communication application of the first outside channel combination server, and allows messages between the second outside-affairs server and the outside authorities to be transferred via a path composed of the first backup communication application, the second active network device, and the second switching device.
 7. The system according to claim 5, wherein when the active lines connected between the first outside channel combination server and the first active network device fail, the first active network device automatically switches from the active lines connected with the first outside channel combination server to the backup lines connected with the second backup communication application of the second outside channel combination server, and allows messages between the first outside-affairs server and the outside authorities to be transferred via a path composed of the message relaying applications of the first and second outside channel combination servers, the second backup communication application, the first active network device, and the first switching device, and when the active lines connected between the second outside channel combination server and the second active network device fail, the second active network device automatically switches from the active lines connected with the second outside channel combination server to the backup lines connected with the first backup communication application of the first outside channel combination server, and allows messages between the second outside-affairs server and the outside authorities to be transferred via a path composed of the message relaying applications of the second and first outside channel combination servers, the first backup communication application, the second active network device, and the second switching device.
 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first switching device is connected with the first active and standby network devices via the active and backup lines and automatically switches to the first standby network device when the communication error is generated in the first active network device, and the second switching device is connected with the second active and standby network devices via the active and backup lines and automatically switches to the second standby network device when the communication error is generated in the second active network device.
 9. The system according to claim 1, wherein in normal operation of the system, the messages are transferred to and from the outside authorities via the path composed of the first outside-affairs server, the first outside channel combination server, the first active network device, and the first switching device, and the messages are transferred to and from the outside authorities via the path composed of the second outside-affairs server, the second outside channel combination server, the second active network device, and the second switching device.
 10. The system according to claim 1, wherein when the communication error is generated in the first outside-affairs server, the second outside-affairs server processes all outside affairs including outside affairs that have been processed by the first outside-affairs server, and allows the messages to be transferred to and from the outside authorities via the path composed of the second outside-affairs server, the first outside channel combination server, the first active network device, and the first switching device, and when the communication error is generated in the second outside-affairs server, the first outside-affairs server processes all outside affairs including outside affairs that have been processed by the second outside-affairs server, and allows the messages to be transferred to and from the outside authorities via the path composed of the first outside-affairs server, the second outside channel combination server, the second active network device, and the second switching device.
 11. The system according to claim 1, wherein when the communication error is generated in the first active network device, or when the active lines connected between the first active network device and the first switching device fail, the messages are transferred to and from the outside authorities via the path composed of the first outside-affairs server, the first outside channel combination server, the first standby network device, and the first switching device, and when the communication error is generated in the second active network device, or when the active lines connected between the second active network device and the second switching device fail, the messages are transferred to and from the outside authorities via the path composed of the second outside-affairs server, the second outside channel combination server, the second standby network device, and the second switching device.
 12. A method for processing communication errors in an outside channel combination system environment comprising first and second outside-affairs servers, first and second outside channel combination servers, first and second active and standby network devices, and first and second switching devices, the method comprising the steps of: (a) in normal operation of the system, transferring messages to and from a plurality of outside authorities via a path composed of the first outside-affairs server, the first outside channel combination server, the first active network device, and the first switching device; (b) in normal operation of the system, transferring messages to and from the outside authorities via a path composed of the second outside-affairs server, the second outside channel combination server, the second active network device, and the second switching device; (c) when a communication error is generated in the first outside-affairs server, processing, by the second outside-affairs server, all outside affairs including outside affairs that have been processed by the first outside-affairs server, and transferring the messages to and from the outside authorities via the path composed of the second outside-affairs server, the first outside channel combination server, the first active network device, and the first switching device; and (d) when a communication error is generated in the second outside-affairs server, processing, by the first outside-affairs server, all outside affairs including outside affairs that have been processed by the second outside-affairs server, and transferring the messages to and from the outside authorities via the path composed of the first outside-affairs server, the second outside channel combination server, the second active network device, and the second switching device.
 13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the steps of: (e) when a communication error is generated in the first active network device, or when active lines connected between the first active network device and the first switching device fail, transferring the messages to and from the outside authorities via the path composed of the first outside-affairs server, the first outside channel combination server, the first standby network device, and the first switching device; and (f) when a communication error is generated in the second active network device, or when active lines connected between the second active network device and the second switching device fail, transferring the messages to and from the outside authorities via the path composed of the second outside-affairs server, the second outside channel combination server, the second standby network device, and the second switching device.
 14. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the steps of: (g) when the communication error is generated in the first outside channel combination server, automatically switching, by the first active network device, from the active lines connected with the first outside channel combination server to backup lines connected with the second backup communication application of the second outside channel combination server, and transferring messages between the first outside-affairs server and the outside authorities via the path composed of the second outside channel combination server, the first active network device, and the first switching device; and (h) when the communication error is generated in the second outside channel combination server, automatically switching, by the second active network device, from the active lines connected with the second outside channel combination server to the backup lines connected with the first backup communication application of the first outside channel combination server, and transferring messages between the second outside-affairs server and the outside authorities via the path composed of the first outside channel combination server, the second active network device, and the second switching device.
 15. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the steps of: (i) when the active lines connected between the first outside channel combination server and the first active network device fail, automatically switching, by the first active network device, from the active lines connected with the first outside channel combination server to the backup lines connected with the second backup communication application of the second outside channel combination server, and transferring messages between the first outside-affairs server and the outside authorities via a path composed of message relaying applications of the first and second outside channel combination servers, a backup communication application of the second outside channel combination server, the first active network device, and the first switching device; and (j) when the active lines connected between the second outside channel combination server and the second active network device fail, automatically switching, by the second active network device, from the active lines connected with the second outside channel combination server to the backup lines connected with the first backup communication application of the first outside channel combination server, and transferring messages between the second outside-affairs server and the outside authorities via a path composed of message relaying applications of the first and second outside channel combination servers, a backup communication application of the first outside channel combination server, the second active network device, and the second switching device.
 16. A computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon for implementing a method according to any one of claims 12 to
 15. 